Andy's Guestbook

Hi Andy,

Your surgery will go great!  I'm 3 weeks post-op and doing well.  You are young, healthy, and strong.  All will go well. Best advice, don't sneeze after the surgery. 



 

Hey Andy

  I have almost the same aortic valve issues. Bavd from birth, but my root and adsending aorta is enlarged from my tight valve. Are you having your aorta replaced with a graft or is it okay. What valve did you go with mechanical or biological valve. Im waiting on my surgery date. I just had my tooth removed so im all cleared to move foward.... and it scares the heck out of me. Keep me in the loop... and i hope everything goes as it should.

Thanks Andy

Hi Andy!  I just came across your story on HVS and wanted to reach out to you directly.  I just had surgery on 4/26 (12 days post op) to repair an enlarged asymmetrical aortic root (5.3-5.4 mm) and retain my native bi-cuspid valve.  I’m 54 and an avid athlete, runner etc and it seems there’s some similarities we share.  I can feel your anxiety and stress my friend and want to assure you that you will feel so much better once you’re on the other side of this!  I also want to extend a sincere open offer (whether now or down the road) to chat with you one on one about whatever.  I’ve had the benefit of some folks to the same to me over the last few months and weeks to connect individually that I now consider friends, and want you to know that you are NOT alone in this.  I can’t understate how truly helpful it’s been to actually just talk one on one, it’s a game changer.  Of course I’m sure you have a loving and supportive family (as do I) but this is a different road that few people can understand without having gone through it themselves.  So if I can help you or you just want to talk, please reach out to me directly at daseligman@hotmail.com and we can connect from there.  Peace brother, you’re going to do great!

Best wishes for your surgery.  I don’t think you’re crazy about the cognitive issues.  I am 4+ months out of MV replacement and feel better than I have in years, including my level of alertness.  Before my surgery, I didn’t realize how bad I felt.  Good luck with everything!  You’ll be back running before you know it.

I got a mechanical valve at age 23. I am 58 years old now with the same valve set to be replaced with a cow valve next month. The clicking bothered me at first but after a while I didn't even hear it. Other people would hear it more than me. They thought it was my watch. The blood thinner is ok except I don't like the monthly blood tests because I don't like needles. I stopped drinking (difficult at 23) and had to be very careful of injuries. It didn't stop me from skiing and mountain biking. If you want a valve that will last a long time, get the mechanical. I would get another mechanical one, but I was told that since I am getting older it makes sense to get a tissue valve because older people have more health problems that may require surgeries and they can be more complicated on blood thinner. My concern with the tissue valve is the shorter life of the valve and facing additional replacement surgeries. It is a tough decision.